Having lost their first two matches against the Kolkata Knight Riders by 41 runs and Bangalore Royal Challengers by seven wickets, last season's champion, the Mumbai Indians are keeping no stone unturned to register their first victory in their third match of the Indian Premier League 2014 against the Chennai Super Kings - a game to be played at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday.

Nevertheless, the task seems to be a daunting one and the team has to make a massive improvement to achieve its goal. The Mumbai team, which boasts of a formidable batting line-up, including skipper Rohit Sharma, Kieron Pollard, Mike Hussey and all-rounder Correy Anderson, could only muster 122 and 115 runs in their first two outings. The only exception was opener Ambati Raidu, who made a good start, which was floundered by others.

Even the bowling has been inconsistent. While the performances of the pacers Lasith Malinga and Zaheer Khan were satisfactory, spinners Harbhajan Singh and Pragyan Ojha proved to be a major disappointment. Although Harbhajan was inexpensive, he failed to pick up wickets, while Ojha seemed to be in a charity mode, giving away runs freely.

No doubt, all the negatives have left the Kiwi coach John Wright and the team's former star batsman and now mentor Sachin Tendulkar worried.

On the other hand, plagued by 'match fixing controversies,' two time winners Chennai too had a very unusual start this season. Losing their first match to Kings IX Punjab, CSK regained their reputation crushing Delhi Daredevils and beating Rajasthan Royals comfortably in the subsequent outings.

If its current form is any indication, Chennai will begin as favorites in this match. But Mumbaikars too are determined to put up a fight, promising an interesting game.

The Chennai outfit will be banking on its in-form batting line-up, which includes Dwayne Smith and Suresh Raina. Though Brenden Macullum failed in the last first two matches, the team hopes he will regain his form along with Faf du Plessis. The dependable Ravinder Jadeja and skipper Mahendra Dhoni are expected to chip in with their explosive shots.

However, Chennai's bowling has been of some concern. Although Jadeja has been his usual self picking up wickets when necessary, the team's pace trio, comprising Ben Hilfenhaus, Mohit Sharma and Ishwar Pandey, have been more or less effective. Star spinner Ramchandra Ashwin is, however, yet to pick up form.

The match will begin at 4.00 p.m. local time and 2.30 a.m. GMT (10.30 a.m. ET) and can be watched live on Skycricket.net and GoGricket.com.